Spacefolds 11

Album Review

Spacefolds 1 was Quarkspace's first release. It appeared on cassette on Eternity's Jest in 1996 and was the first of a series of EP cassettes and later full-length CDs documenting the best improvisations the space rock band played. The idea was to make improvs taken from rehearsals and studio sessions available to the public as quickly as possible in order for the fan to follow the band's evolution. On Spacefolds 1, Quarkspace was still a quartet consisting of Chet Santia (bass, guitar), Jay Swanson (keyboards), Paul Williams (drums), and Darren Gough (guitar). Guitarist Dave Wexler appears only as a guest (he would become a full-time member shortly afterwards). This first volume is stronger than the next three; the band wasn't yet into loops, so the music evolves constantly and gets closer to progressive rock. Still, the band's distinctive sound was already established — medium-tempo spacy improvs with a gentle beat (no insisting pulse) and melodic guitar work. The three "Blackhawk Circle" pieces are enjoyable jams. "The Drummer's Triangle" is a short percussion-bashing fest. But the fan's attention is best directed to the last track, "Fäerinôt Space," an improvisation the band would later learn and shape into a piece; it appears on the CD Live Orion under the same title (minus the accents). This original version showcases some great drumming. As far as the public is concerned, this is the birth of Quarkspace. Spacefolds 1 was reissued on CD-R with new artwork via MP3.com in February 2001. ~ François Couture, Rovi